From Italy: Crystal Palace and Watford both failed to sign striker in January

Crystal Palace and Watford both tried to sign the Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar during the January transfer window, according to Italian website Calcio Mercato.

But La Viola decided to turn down the attempts after both clubs are said to have made offers for the 23-year-old.

Babacar’s links with Crystal Palace are really not something new, as there were strong reports last summer saying the Eagles would be keen on the player.

The story went quiet after the Italian media started claiming that Palace’s bid had been turned down by Fiorentina. At that time, the asking price was put at somewhere around €10m.

But Watford’s interest in the player only showed up in January. There isn’t any particular reason why Calcio Mercato seem to only be publishing it now, but we can’t say it doesn’t make sense, since both clubs have been linked to the striker.

Babacar has been in reasonably good form this season, having scored eight goals in 16 appearances. His contract with Fiorentina runs until 2019.